I took an Audi R8 for five laps around the world’s only race track specifically designed for exotic cars and I never felt more addicted to an adrenaline-filled adventure before. Exotics Racing at Auto Club Speedway is a bucket list must. Immediately after driving, I was considering how I could have gone faster and I wanted to improve my skills. Then, as if I wasn’t hyped up enough, I went on the hair-raising race car experience with a professional driving instructor. What a thrilling experience.
The Audi R8 body was designed for ultimate aerodynamics and downforce. It innocently urges you to push incrementally harder through each corner. It’s packing a V10 with 550 hp and top speeds of 196 mph. I could feel the power when I started it up. I wanted to take it wide open but I was on a track with eight turns and top speeds that vary between 110-130 mph. On the first lap, I didn’t get it over 90 mph. I headed toward the orange and green cones and tried to listen carefully for braking and gas instructions. I was too timid. I braked well before I was told and then accelerated too slowly when coming out of the turn. It wasn’t until the third lap that I reached triple digits and started to feel the groove of the course and then it was over after lap five. I felt like it was all a heart pumping, tire squealing haze. Instantly, I wanted to go again. I wanted to beat my time and improve my skills and hone in on the instructor’s voice for better understanding. I wanted to get it to 130 mph on the 1,600 foot straight away. My mind was full with ways to improve.
Only seconds after getting out of the Audi R8, I was in the passenger seat of a race car with a professional driver for the thrill of a lifetime. He took me for two laps around the track at racing speeds in the EXR LV02. It’s a lightweight, rear-wheel drive racing car that offers an experience that puts you on the edge of your seat and your comfort zone. Professional driver, Alexandre Premat, hopped into the driver’s seat and I was strapped into the passenger seat with a five point harness. We pulled onto the track and he floored it. As we approached the first turn, I thought there was zero chance we were going to make it around safely. He nailed the brakes and the tires screamed and we zipped around the corner and then another and he was over triple digits again before reaching the next turn. How did he get so good? How does he comfortably push the limits to such extremes? I was in love with the sport and in love with the driver’s skills. I yelled with delight as I held on to the roll bar. I hugged him and smile with admiration when the ride was over.
I only drove one car during my Exotics Racing at Auto Club Speedway experience but there were a dozen other choices including a brand new McLaren 570S, Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Mercedes, and Lamborghini options, and GT-R. I want to get my hands on that McLaren. Nothing says exotic supercar like the twin-turbo 3.7L V8 of the McLaren 570S. Unlike many extreme adventures that I’m happy with experiencing once, I’m already planning my next Exotics Racing experience.
Looks like a blast!
What I would I give to get behind the wheels of one of those beauties!
Now this would be so much fun. How would you ever convince yourself to go home after?!?
It was difficult to drive the speed limit on the drive home 😉
What an amazing experience! Werent you a tiny bit scared? I would be really excited, but a tad bit apprehensive too! But what an fabulous opportunity! Cool photos to document your fun, too!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
I was a little scared and it caused me to drive a lot slower than I would have liked. I hope to do it again soon. I think I will be way less timid next time.
This just sounds like so much fun! Sometimes when I’m running away from home I turn up the stereo, roll down the windows and pretend I’m racing at top speed on an open track. Probably not the same feeling as an exotic racer. 😉
That is the coolest thing ever! I have always wanted to see a racing event! That is so awesome.
Auto Club Speedway has a bunch of different racing events and driving options. I can’t wait to go back. Have you ever been to a track before?
That looks like a lot of fun! I would be really nervous about it, but I have some friends who would LOVE to do that.
This is such an awesome idea! My dad races cars and it would be so fun to take him and my husband here for his birthday!
Oh my word! This sounds absolutely like a blast. I would love to check this out!
Sounds really thrilling. I would be screaming from both fear and adrenaline. I always wanted to be a race car driver.
I think the more you do it the more your confidence will build. You did great for the first run and hopefully there will be other times to spare!
This looks like an exciting event. My toddler would love to attend something like this, he LOVES fast cars!
My husband would love something like this! He used to watch a lot of Nascar with his dad when he was growing up. I think I would be way too scared to get in that car!
You look so good next to those exotic cars. We would’ve had trouble giving them back!
Sounds like fun! My husband would love this, but I would prefer to watch. 😉
Well, those are all fancy. You actually drove one!? That’s crazy. I am not big on speed and heights so definitely not my thing.
This looks like a total blast! I would be scared silly and love every minute of it! I need to check this out.
I’m not a big car person. My son on the other hand would love love this post. Red cars are his thing.
I would love to race one day. How fun would that be to go fast in a nice looking car.
What great cars. My dad had friends who raced and I remember it from growing up. I think it seems a little scary.